Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa
Saudi Tourist Visa · For Philippines citizens
Planning a trip to Saudi Arabia as a Filipino citizen? This guide covers everything you need for your Saudi tourist visa application: required documents, fees starting from PHP 2,000 for a 6-month visa, processing times of 3-5 working days through VFS TasHeel, and tips to strengthen your application. With strong bilateral relations and proper documentation, approval rates remain favorable for well-prepared Filipino applicants.
Saudi Arabia Tourist Visa for Filipino Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Philippines citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your Philippine passport must be valid for at least six months from your intended date of entry into Saudi Arabia
Recent photographs meeting Saudi visa specifications
Completed visa application form with accurate information
Round-trip flight reservation showing entry and exit from Saudi Arabia
Confirmed accommodation booking for your entire stay
Recent bank statement demonstrating sufficient funds for your trip
Proof of employment or business in the Philippines
Health and travel insurance covering your stay in Saudi Arabia
Recommended (Optional)
Letter of invitation from your host in Saudi Arabia
Application Process
Filipino citizens must apply for a Saudi tourist visa through the Royal Saudi Embassy or VFS TasHeel International Visa Services centers, as the Philippines is not among the 66 countries eligible for the Saudi e-visa.12
Step 1: Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary documents including your valid passport, photographs, completed application form, flight tickets, hotel reservation, bank statement, employment documents, and travel insurance.1
Step 2: Book an Appointment
Visit the VFS TasHeel website to book an appointment at your preferred center: Manila (Makati City), Cebu, or Davao.4 Select your appointment date and time slot.
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Visit the VFS TasHeel center on your appointment date with all required documents.1 The staff will verify your documents and collect the visa fee plus any applicable service charges.
Step 4: Track Your Application
After submission, you can track your application status online using the reference number provided. Processing typically takes 3-5 working days.4
Step 5: Collect Your Passport
Once approved, collect your passport with the visa from the VFS TasHeel center, or opt for courier delivery service for an additional fee.
Fees
| Visa Type | Visa Fee | VFS Service Charge | Total Estimated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6-Month Visa | PHP 2,000 | PHP 500-1,000 | PHP 2,500-3,000 |
| 1-Year Visa | PHP 3,000 | PHP 500-1,000 | PHP 3,500-4,000 |
| 2-Year Visa | PHP 5,000 | PHP 500-1,000 | PHP 5,500-6,000 |
Additional optional services at VFS TasHeel include SMS tracking, courier delivery, photo services, and form-filling assistance, each with separate fees.14
What You Need to Prove
Saudi visa officers assess applications based on several key factors:13
- Genuine tourist intent: Clear travel plans with confirmed bookings for accommodation and flights demonstrating a legitimate tourism purpose
- Financial capacity: Sufficient funds in your bank account to cover all expenses during your stay without needing to work
- Return intent: Strong ties to the Philippines such as employment, business, property, or family that demonstrate you will return after your trip
- Valid documentation: All documents meeting Saudi specifications with accurate information matching your passport
Processing Times
| Document Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Processing | 3-5 working days |
| Peak Season | 5-7 working days |
| First-time Applicants | May take additional verification time |
Processing times are measured from submission of complete documents at VFS TasHeel.4 Saudi weekends (Friday-Saturday) and Philippine/Saudi holidays are not counted. Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
VFS TasHeel Center Locations
VFS TasHeel operates three centers in the Philippines:4
Manila (Makati City)
- Primary hub for Luzon applicants
- Full range of visa services available
- Contact: Available on VFS TasHeel website
Cebu
- Serves applicants in Visayas region
- All standard visa services offered
Davao
- Serves applicants in Mindanao region
- All standard visa services offered
All centers operate Monday to Friday, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with specific hours for document receiving and releasing.1
After Your Visa is Approved
- Collect your passport from VFS TasHeel or receive it via courier if you opted for that service
- Verify all details on the visa are correct and match your passport
- At Saudi immigration, present your visa, passport, and return ticket
- You may be asked about your accommodation and travel plans
- Immigration will stamp your passport with the entry date
- Respect your visa validity: overstaying results in fines (SAR 100+ per day), detention, and potential deportation with re-entry ban
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is rejected:1
- Review the refusal reason: Understand what specific issue caused the rejection
- Address the problems: Correct documentation errors, improve financial evidence, or gather additional supporting documents
- Prepare a stronger application: There is no mandatory waiting period to reapply, but ensure you fix all identified issues first
- Seek assistance: Consider consulting with the VFS TasHeel staff or a visa consultant for complex cases
Most rejections are due to documentation issues that can be corrected with proper preparation. Avoid reapplying immediately without addressing the root cause of rejection.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Incomplete or Incorrect Documentation
Missing documents, unclear scans, or paperwork not meeting Saudi specifications. Many rejections occur due to poor quality photographs, incomplete application forms, or missing supporting documents.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents against the VFS TasHeel checklist before submission. Use their document verification service to ensure completeness. Have all documents properly scanned in color.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements showing inadequate funds, suspicious large deposits right before application, or irregular transaction patterns that raise concerns about trip affordability.
How to avoid: Maintain a stable balance of at least PHP 50,000-100,000 for several months before applying. Show regular salary credits and avoid unexplained large deposits close to application date.
Information Mismatches
Discrepancies between passport details and application form, including spelling errors, wrong passport numbers, or inconsistent information across documents.
How to avoid: Copy information exactly as it appears in your passport. Have someone else verify your application before submission. Ensure all dates and numbers are accurate.
Previous Visa Violations
History of overstaying visas in Saudi Arabia or other GCC countries, or evidence of working illegally on previous tourist visas. The GCC countries share immigration data.
How to avoid: Always respect visa validity periods. If you have past violations, wait at least 2-3 years before reapplying and be prepared to provide explanation if asked.
Weak Ties to Philippines
Unable to demonstrate strong reasons to return to the Philippines, such as no stable employment, no property ownership, or no family ties.
How to avoid: Provide clear evidence of ties: employment certificate showing tenure, property documents, family relationships, or business ownership. Show you have compelling reasons to return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Filipino citizens get a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, Filipino citizens can obtain a Saudi tourist visa. However, the Philippines is not among the 66 countries eligible for the Saudi e-visa, so Filipinos must apply through the Royal Saudi Embassy or VFS TasHeel centers in the Philippines.
How much does a Saudi tourist visa cost for Filipinos?
The visa fees are PHP 2,000 for a 6-month visa, PHP 3,000 for a 1-year visa, and PHP 5,000 for a 2-year visa. Additional VFS TasHeel service charges of PHP 500-1,500 may apply depending on services selected.
How long does Saudi visa processing take for Filipino applicants?
Processing typically takes 3-5 working days from the submission of complete documents at VFS TasHeel centers. During peak seasons, processing may take slightly longer. Apply at least 2 weeks before your intended travel date.
Where can I apply for a Saudi tourist visa in the Philippines?
You can apply at VFS TasHeel International Visa Services centers located in Manila (Makati City), Cebu, and Davao. Appointments should be booked online through the VFS TasHeel website before visiting.
What is the maximum stay allowed on a Saudi tourist visa for Filipinos?
The tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 30 days per entry. The visa validity depends on the type you apply for: 6 months, 1 year, or 2 years, with multiple entries possible within that period.
Do I need a sponsor for a Saudi tourist visa?
No individual sponsor is required for a tourist visa. However, if visiting family or friends in Saudi Arabia, you will need an invitation letter from your host along with copies of their Iqama (residence permit) and passport.
Can I perform Umrah on a Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, the Saudi tourist visa allows you to perform Umrah (excluding Hajj). You must book your Umrah appointments through the official Nusuk platform (nusuk.sa) before visiting holy sites in Mecca and Medina.
Can OFWs in the Middle East apply for a Saudi tourist visa?
OFWs currently working in other GCC countries can apply for a Saudi tourist visa. You may need to apply through the Saudi embassy in your country of residence or use online services if available. Check current requirements based on your residency status.
What happens if my Saudi visa application is rejected?
Review the rejection reason carefully and address the issues before reapplying. Common fixes include improving document quality, providing stronger financial evidence, or correcting information errors. There is no formal appeal process, but you can reapply with improved documentation.
Is travel insurance mandatory for Saudi tourist visa?
Yes, travel insurance is required for Saudi tourist visa applications. Your insurance should cover medical emergencies and be valid for the entire duration of your stay. Some travel agencies include basic insurance in their service packages.